S. Jaishankar Calls for Multilateral Reform During UAE Visit

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conducted an official visit to Abu Dhabi from October 14 to 16, 2026, to review the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates. During the visit, Jaishankar met with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss trade, economic engagement, and strategic cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement enacted in May 2022.

Speaking at the 2nd Raisina Middle East Forum, Jaishankar argued that the reform of multilateralism is urgent and suggested that stronger minilateralism—cooperation among smaller groups of countries—can support this process when broader forums fail to reach consensus. He cited the decade-long India-UAE partnership as a primary example of nations responding to a changing global environment. On the sidelines of the forum, Jaishankar also met with Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili to discuss expanding cooperation in tourism, education, and trade.

The diplomatic activity occurred amid heightened tensions in West Asia following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. An October 10 strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people, including one Indian national. India condemned the attacks on civilian infrastructure as totally unacceptable. In response to the instability, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called for the revival of joint Gulf security and defense frameworks, stating that the security of Gulf states is indivisible.